Nick Kyrgios has avoided facing a seed in the first round of his home grand slam – but he could face a daunting match-up if he wins through to the third round in Melbourne.
The 29-year-old will be taking on Jacob Fearnley in his first match, with the British star currently ranked 86th in the world.
If he wins that encounter, he could face Sebastian Baez in round two, with the Argentine ranked 28th in the world.
And if Kyrgios progresses, a very stern test would await him in the form of Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who is the world No.2.
Tennis fans who are dreaming of seeing him face off against defending champion Jannik Sinner will likely be disappointed, as the pair are on opposite sides of the draw and can only meet in the final.
Nick Kyrgios (pictured practising in Melbourne on Thursday) has avoided being drawn against any of the biggest stars at the Australian Open
The Aussie firebrand will face Britain’s Jacob Fearnley (pictured) in his first match – with very tough tests in store if he progresses against the world No.86
The outspoken Aussie is coming into the grand slam under an injury cloud after announcing he has an abdominal strain that could put him in doubt for the tournament, although he was seen practising on Thursday in an indication it isn’t a serious setback.
Australia’s best hope in the men’s draw, Alex De Minaur, has Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger rune in the same quarter of the draw with him, while another local star, Jordan Thompson, is facing a qualifier in round one.
Aussie women Daria Saville and Ajla Tomljanovic have avoided playing seeds in the first round.
More to come…